Heading Out Early

I am leaving for Pensacola early tomorrow, and Jay & Solon will be following down Friday.  We picked this week to go through all of Momma's things, and it will be a lot of work.  Two storage units filled, so I am hoping to spend the next few days getting a head start.  Then Saturday, we will be having two small ceremonies for her.  One at Bayview Cemetery and the last one at 1770. 

It is going to be a difficult weekend.  This time last year, we were all at the beach together.  We found out Sally was having a girl, toured Sally/Jason's new house, went to the fair and spent Halloween together.  Momma stayed at the house handing out candy, and she was the final stop for Solon and Luke that night.   I really miss her right now.

Putting the Great in Great Aunts (& Uncles)

My mom has two sisters, Penny & Mary.  I am not sure what to write because I am a little emotional:)  A couple of weeks ago, Mary sent a package to Solon's attention.  She called me to tell me that it was a Halloween happy, so I stowed it away in a drawer until we got closer to the date.  Then yesterday another package arrived.  This one from Penny.  I figured tonight would be a great time to let Solon dig in.  So, I told him he had special packages, and he immediately went squealing to his chair.  With a little help, he opened up both packages and inside were all these happys just like my mom would have picked out.  Listening to his cute little laugh and happy exclamations...it just made my heart melt and hurt all at the same time. 

My mom never showed up anywhere without a bag of "happys" for us girls/grandkids, and on holidays big/small she would send "happys" in the mail.  Sally and I have had talks about the void that will exist in Solon, Luke and Ansley's lives without Momma and Daddy.  It is really hard and very sad. 

Penny and Mary have been more than wonderful and so thoughtful to all of us.  I am not sure I can express how much it meant to me for my mom's sisters to fill part of that hole in our lives.  And put that sweet smile on Muffin's face. 

To the best Great Aunts out there. XO

Sunday Swim

Solon and I played basketball for about an hour while Jay worked out, and then them two hit the indoor pool. 

Snug As A Bug

This was Muffin today taking his nap.  He didn't get a long one because we had to get him up in time to get to the pool.  He is so sweet looking when he is sleeping.

Coloring

They Are Home

Jay and Jason brought the boys a surprise from their trip.  Little cars with surfboards on top. 

Cup of Joe

Sally brought down some hot chocolate with colored marshmallows.  So Sunday morning the boys got to have their marshmallow coffee like the adults.

End of the Day

We got the boys cleaned up and put into pjs...and let them bounce around and act silly before reading time. 

Yum

Solon and Luke both like to cook.  So we set them up in the kitchen with bowl and a bunch of ingredients.  Raisins, cornstarch, red sprinkles, food coloring, water and penne pasta.  Luke was actually brave enough to taste it. 

Yep More Mowing

Luke had seen photos of Solon mowing the lawn on our blog, and he made sure to bring his own mower to Atlanta.  So here they are doing yard work.

Change of Plans

We had originally thought we would take the kids to the Aquarium, but since the weather was crazy beautiful we decided to head to Piedmont Park instead.  Sally and I were loaded down with toys and picnic stuff, and the boys lead the way into the park on their tricycles.  They were a pretty cute sight...riding alongside all the other cyclists and joggers.  We found a nice spot and laid out the tapestry, and then took turns playing soccer with Solon and Luke...and playing with Ansley. 

Now the trip back to the car was quite the ordeal.  I don't think Sally and I will ever forget it:)  Solon and Luke were beyond tired, and the long walk back to the car was all up-hill.  So I am carrying two tricycles and a backpack filled to the brim.  Sally is pushing a stroller, holding Ansley and a soccer ball. And Solon and Luke...crying.  They wanted to be carried.  We got a lot of sympathetic looks from passer-bys and were beyond relieved when we made it home. 

Lead The Way

Solon has been talking about showing Luke the zoo for over a week, and he did a great job leading us around.  Some of the highlights were watching the big gorillas run around and thump their chests while we ate lunch.  We finished the trip up with a ride on the train and carousel.